Portable solar charged operated lamp having orientation switch for selectively energizing lamp based upon its physical orientation

ABSTRACT

A portable lamp unit having adhesive strips for mounting upon the interior surface of a hatch back automobile window. A mercury switch permits the lamp to be lit only when the hatch back lid is open. A solar cell aligned with and receiving sunlight through the window charges the batteries. The lamp housing is swingably mounted and a detent enables the lamp to be retained in one of a number of different orientations to direct light to a selected region, and may be releasably locked in any one of a variety of positions to compensate for various open hatch angles to direct the focussed light rays upon the desired region of the storage space. A switch selectively opens the power loop to prevent unnecessary drainage of the batteries when the hatch back is opened for a long periods of time. A light transmissive adhesive may be utilized to mount the unit upon a window. Alternatively, a frame may be mounted to the window to snap fittingly releasably retain the lamp unit in position upon the hatch back window.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to portable light units and moreparticular to a battery operated portable light unit rechargable bymeans of a solar cell and having an orientation-sensitive switch topermit energization of the lamp only when the unit is in a predeterminedorientation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Automobile styles known as "hatch backs" typically are provided with alarge rear door or "lid" which includes a rear window and which isutilized to gain access to the storage area provided in the rear portionof the vehicle interior. Hatch backs, like other trunk lids or closuresare typically swingably mounted so as to lift or move in an upwarddirection enabling a person to reach beneath the open hatch back lid inorder to remove or replace articles in the rear storage area of thevehicle. It is extremely advantageous to provide a lamp to provideadequate light when using the rear storage area at night. Manyinexpensive hatch backs fail to provide interior lighting which isoperable when the hatch back door is lifted to provide ample light inthe rear storage region to facilitate use of the storage region at nightor under other poor ambient lighting conditions.

Although the owners of inexpensive hatch back style automobiles maycertainly wire such a lamp and switch into the hatch back, this becomesan extremely difficult and highly impractical undertaking due for theneed for a large amount of wire, run from under the dashboard (mosthatchbacks do not have 12 volts from the battery available in the rearof the automobile), a lamp assembly and switch means to permit the lampto operate only when the hatch back door is open, as well as the tediousjob of threading the wire through the vehicle and the hatch back lid.

In addition, the lamps made available in the trunks of many standardautomobiles lack the ability to swingably adjust to direct light to anydesired region in the trunk space when the trunk lid is lifted to theopen position. Also, the lamps provided lack the capability of beingused as a standby flashlight.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The lamp unit of the present invention solves all of the problems ofproviding satisfactory illumination in hatch backs which are notprovided with suitable lighting for illuminating the rear storage regionof the vehicle and is characterized by comprising a housing which isprovided with a light transmissive lens along one major surface thereof,which surface is substantially permanently affixed, through suitablepressure sensitive adhesive means, directly to the window of the hatchback lid. The solar cell is coupled in an electrical circuit with theportable battery source to charge the battery principally during periodsof non-use, the light unit being judiciously located to take fulladvantage of available natural sunlight for recharging the batteries.

The lamp unit is further provided with an orientation sensitive switchsuch as, for example, a mercury switch, which provides an open circuitcondition when the hatch back door is closed to prevent energy drainfrom the battery and possible burn-out of the bulb.

The lamp unit, although substantially permanently affixed to the hatchback window, is nevertheless provided with a pivot assembly includingdetent means for pivoting the lamp housing to a variety of differentorientations to accomodate the variation in open hatchback angles of thehatchbacks available in the market. The lamp housing is releasablylocked in the desired position by said detent means.

The solar cell provides for charging of the battery during periods ofsunlight and includes an electrical circuit which prevents power frombeing delivered to the solar cell from the battery. Additional switchmeans are provided for disconnecting the lamp from the battery duringperiods when the hatch back lid is in the up position for long periodsof time and yet when it is not desirable or necessary to provide lightdue to the fact that the hatch back may be in use as part of a tailgateparty or when carrying bulky items which prevent locking of the hatchback lid.

The batteries are housed within a battery compartment and may be easilyopened and replaced by replacement batteries. A snap-fitted coverincorporating a lens may be replacably removed for purposes of removingand replacing a burned out bulb.

The lamp unit may be fixedly secured to the hatch back window by meansof a plurality a small pressure sensitive foam strips or alternatively,by means of a large transparent and decoratively printed pressuresensitive sheet which covers the entire rear surface of the lamp unitincluding the solar cell and its lens but which is made of a lighttransmissive material so as not to interfere with the ability ofsunlight to activate the solar cell. The light transmissive material mayalso be reflective to provide additional safety when driving at night.

As another alternative arrangement, the lamp unit may be utilized incombination with a support frame which is directly secured to the windowof the hatch back lid by suitable pressure sensitive means and whichreleasably embraces the lamp unit and is provided with a central openingwhich is coaligned with the solar cell lens to permit the sun's rays toreach the solar cell for charging of the battery. The unit may beremoved and used as a standby flashlight. The electrical circuitincorporating the solar cell is adjusted to provide a low charging rateto the batteries so as to prevent overcharging and/or damage to thebatteries.

The versatility of the lamp unit of the present invention also makes itextremely advantageous for use in the trunks of standard automobiles dueto the ability to automatically adjust the lamp assembly to a variety ofreleasable orientations and removable from the holder unit for use as astandby flashlight.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

It is therefore one object of the present invention to provide a novellamp unit for use in applications where the lamp unit is preferablydeenergized when in one physical orientation and which is capable ofbeing energized only when moved to a second orientation.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a lamp unitof the character described herein, wherein said selective energizationis obtained through a position sensitive switch such as, for example, amercury switch.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a novel lampunit adapted to be permanently fixed to a window or other lighttransmissive member to permit the portable batteries to be charged whenthe lamp unit is not in use.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a novel lampunit for use in illuminating the interior of a hatch back style vehicleor for use in the trunk of a standard vehicle (albeit forgoing the solarbenefit) without the necessity for electrically wiring the lamp unit tothe car main battery or electrical system.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a novelbattery-operated lamp unit which, although substantially permanentlyaffixed to a mounting surface, is provided with a swingable lamp housingto direct the emitted light in any one of a variety of differentdirections to facilitate the use of the lamp unit in spite of it beingpermanently affixed to a mounting surface (and thereby compensating forvarious hatchback angles).

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a lamp unitof the character described herein wherein the mounting surface ispreferably a light transmissive surface to facilitate charging of thebattery source by way of the solar cell housed within the lamp unit.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a portablebattery operated lamp unit which is releaseably adjustable to one of avariety of orientations to accomodate a variety of open trunk lidpositions in order to direct light to a desired area in the trunkstorage space regardless of the angle of the open position of the trunklid.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a portablebattery operated lamp unit which may be used as a trunk light and whichis removable from a holding bracket for use as a standby flashlight.

The above as well as other objects of the present invention will becomeapparent when reading the accompanying description and drawing in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a lamp unit embodying theprinciples of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear elevational view of the lamp unit of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows the manner in which the lamp housing of the lamp unit ofFIG. 1 may be pivoted.

FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of the battery-operated lamp unit of FIG.1.

FIG. 4a shows a bottom view of the lamp housing of FIG. 4.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the details of the lamphousing structure of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 shows a detailed elevation view of a portion of the lamp unithousing for purposes of facilitating an understanding of the pivot anddetent assembly for pivotally mounting the lamp housing assembly.

FIG. 6a shows a top plan view of the assembly of FIG. 6.

FIG. 7 is a simplified circuit diagram of the electrical circuitprovided in the lamp unit of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7a is a simplified diagramatic view useful in explaining theelectrical operation of the lamp unit shown in FIGS. 4 and 7 andspecifically the mercury switch.

FIGS. 7b and 7c respectively show the mercury switch orientations whenthe lid is open and closed.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the lamp unit of the presentinvention employing an alternative mounting assembly for mounting thelamp unit to a vehicle.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing another alternative mountingarrangement of the present invention.

FIG. 9a shows an end view of the embodiment of FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTSTHEREOF

The lamp unit 10 of the present invention, as shown best in FIGS. 1through 4, is comprised of a main body 12 including a main body portion14 and a removable cover 16. The main body portion 14 is a substantiallyhollow parallelipiped whose vertical side walls 14a, 14b and top andbottom walls 14d and 14c define the hollow region which is furtherdivided into three compartments 15a, 15b and 15c by integral dividingwalls 14e and 14f. Partitions 14e and 14f are each provided with bosses14g, 14h for receiving a threaded fastening member T, each threadedfastening member passing through a cooperating clearance opening 16, 16ialigned with the bosses 14g, 14h when the cover 16 is mounted to thehousing 14.

Compartment 15a is not used. However, compartment 15b defines thebattery compartment which, in the preferred embodiment, receives twotype AA 1.5 volt alkaline batteries. The battery compartment is dividedinto a pair of elongated compartment halves by an elongated,pyramid-shaped divider 14i integrally joined to the base 14j of thebattery compartment 15b. Each of the helical springs 14k, 14m, togetherwith a fixed rigid electrode 14n, 14o respectively as well as additionalelectrical conductors (not shown for purposes of simplicity) establishan electrical circuit for the alkaline batteries which electricalcircuit is shown in FIG. 7 and will described in greater detailhereinabove.

Compartment 15c houses two-position slide switch 18 and a two-positionmercury switch 20 (see FIG. 7). Switch 18 is a two position switchhaving a slider member 18a which extends through elongated slot 16g incover 16, the cover being marked with indicia to indicate the "on" and"off" positions of the slide switch.

Lid 16 has a major surface 16f provided with integral sides 16a-16dextending therefrom in a perpendicular direction. Sides 16a-16d arerespectively aligned with associated sides 14a-14d of main housing 14when lid 16 is mounted thereon. Slot 16g provided in main surface 16ffacilitates the projection of the slide button 18a of slide switch 18therethrough. Also, indicia "off" "on" are provided on the face ofsurface 16f to facilitate operation of slide switch 18. Openings 16h and16i receive threaded fasteners T, T for securement of lid 16 to mainhousing 14. Lid 16 serves to cover compartments 15a-15c therebyretaining switches 18 and 20 and the individual batteries in theirdesired positions within compartments 15b, 15c.

The top wall 14d of housing unit 14 is provided with an elongated slot14p which receives a combined pivot and detent member for swingablymounting lamp housing 22 upon the housing 14, as will be more fullydescribed hereinbelow. The housing 14 further incorporates an integralupwardly extending planar projection 14q having an inwardly turnedportion 14r provided with a downwardly extending projecting pin 14sserving as one pivot for the lamp housing 22.

Lamp housing 22 is a substantially square-shaped hollow housingcomprised of vertical side walls 22a, 22b bottom wall 22c, top wall 22dand rear wall 22e collectively enclose a reflector member 24 whichreceives a bulb 26 which may, for example, be a number 222 (2.5 volt)threaded base bulb. Top surface 22d is provided with a substantially atrapezoidal-shaped recessed surface 22f having an opening 22g extendinginto housing 22d, which is adapted to receive projecting pin 14s servingas the upper pivot member for the pivotal mounting of lamp housing 22.Bottom wall 22c of lamp housing 22 (note also FIG. 4a) is provided witha plurality of either recesses or openings 22h arranged at spacedintervals along an imaginary curved line and cooperating with a detentmember 26 in a manner to be more fully described. A hollowtubular-shaped projection 22i is integral with bottom wall 22c andextends downwardly in the manner shown in FIG. 4.

In order to mount lamp housing 22 in the operative position as shown inFIG. 1, flange 14r is lifted slightly and housing 22 is slid rearwardlyinto the region between top wall 14d and flange 14r so that tubularprojection 22i is slipped into elongated slot 14p and extends intocompartment 15c.

When the outer surface of the rear wall 22e of lamp housing 22 restsagainst the adjacent surface of planar portion 14q, the combined detentand pivot member 26 is slidably inserted into slot 14p and compartment15c so that the lower end 26b of projection 26a rests against the topsurface of partion 14e. The main body portion 26c of combined pivot anddetent member 26 has a width slightly less than the width of elongatedslot 14d to be slidably received therein. Projections 26d, 26e extendoutwardly from main body portion 26c to form shoulders on opposite sidesthereof which embrace the adjacent edges of elongated slot 14p toprevent member 26 from being moved vertically upward through slot 14p.

The rear end of main body portion 26c is provided with asemi-circular-shaped surface 26f which extends substantially half wayaround the tubular-shaped projection 22i extending downwardly from lamphousing 22. The semi-circular-shaped groove 26f cooperates with thesemi-circular-shaped inner end of 14p-1 of elongated slot 14p to form apivot for slidably embracing tubular projection 22i. The embracing slotand the projection 14x are aligned on a common longitudinal axis, as areopening 22g and tubular rejection 22i, to provide proper alignment forthe lamp housing as well as providing a pivotal mount therefore.

The top surface of member 26 is provided with a teat 26g which issnapped fittingly received within one of the openings 22h provided alongthe bottom surface of lamp housing wall 22c, thus serving as a detentfor locking the swingably mounted lamp housing into any one of a varietyof angular positions selectable by the operator.

The lamp housing 22 is a hollow housing provided with a lamp socket 27mechanically secured within the housing interior and provided with apair of electrical leads 28 extending through tubular projection 22i forconnection into the electrical circuit shown, for example, in FIG. 7. Areflector member 24 is positioned within the forward end of lamp housing22 and has a conical-shaped reflector surface 24a with an opening 24b atits far end, which opening is aligned with bulb socket 27. Light bulb 26extends through opening 24b in the reflector and is threaded into bulbsocket 27. Housing lower wall 22c is provided with a slot 22j forreceiving lower projection 30a provided along the bottom edge ofcombined lamp housing cover and lens member 30. Projection 30a isrecessed inwardly from the front face 30b of member 30 so as to bealigned with slot 22j. An upper projection 30c is adapted to fit withinsquare-shaped notch 22k provided at the front edge of upper wall 22d ofhousing unit 22. Member 30 is assembled by tilting the member 30 inorder to insert projection 30 into slot 22g. Thereafter, the upper edgeof member 30 is pushed into the lamp housing 22 with projection 30caligned with square-shaped notch 22k. The upper edge of lens member 30is provided with a pair of teats 30d, 30e which are snapped fittinglyreceived within openings 22m, 22n in top wall 22d to retain lens 30 inposition. To remove lens 30 one need simply place a fingernail or othersharp instrument behind projection 30c and pull the lens structureoutwardly.

Lens member 30 is preferably formed of a unitary piece of suitabletransparent plastic material into which a planoconvex lens is preferablymolded, the convex surface of lens portion 30f being on the externalside of member 30. Alternatively, the reflector 24 may serve as theprimary optical focussing element. The right rear edge 22p which definesthe merger or vertex between sides 22b and 22e (see FIG. 4a) is roundedto facilitate the pivotal motion of the housing 22 when assembled withinhousing 14.

The rear portion of housing 14 has an interior partition 14j as shown inFIGS. 1a and 4 to define an elongated vertically aligned hollowcompartment 15d for housing solar cell 32 (see FIG. 7). The rear wall ofhousing 14 is provided with a light transmissive, lenticulated lensstructure 34 which is coaligned with the solar cell positioned withincompartment 15d to facilitate the free transmission of light raystherethrough to charge the alkaline batteries represented by the batterysymbol 36 shown in FIG. 7.

A plurality of pressure sensitive adhesive strips 38a-38c formed of afoam material are arranged across portions of the rear surface ofhousing 14. Strips 38a-38c are preferably double-sided adhesive stripswhich are adhered on one surface thereof to the rear wall of housingunit 14 and are covered with thin protective strips which are peeledaway upon application of the lamp unit to the window of a hatch backlid. The foam material compensates for the curvature of the glass windowof the hatchback and assures good adhesive contact to both the curvedglass surface and the flat rear surface of the lamp unit 10.Considering, for example, the simplified diagram shown in FIG. 7a, unit10 is mounted upon the window of a hatch back lid L hingedly connectedat its upper end L1 in such a manner that the surface of lens 34 isplaced against the interior surface of the window in hatch back lid Land further so that the hinge portion 14r extends downwardly and withthe longitudinal length of the lamp unit being aligned substantiallyhorizontally.

Considering this orientation and the electrical circuit shown in FIG. 7,when slide switch 18 is closed i.e. moved to the dotted position 18', anelectrical circuit is established between battery source 36 and mercuryswitch 20. However, the orientation of mercury switch 20 is such thatits electrodes 22a, 22b are open circuited due to the mercury 22c beingarranged in the portion of envelope 22d which is remote from electrodes22a and 22b. Thus, when the hatch back lid is in a closed position shownin solid line fashion in FIG. 7a, bulb 26 is electrically isolated frompower source 36.

When the hatch back lid is open, i.e. is lifted to the dotted lineposition L' shown in FIG. 7a, the mercury switch 20 shifts from theposition shown in FIG. 7b to the position shown in FIG. 7c causingelectrodes 22a, 22b to be immersed in the liquid mercury therebyestablishing an electrical circuit extending from battery 36 throughclosed switch 18 and mercury switch 20 to bulb 26.

In the event that it is desired to hold the hatch back lid in the openposition for long periods of time, such as, for example, during a tailgate party or when transporting bulky objects which make it impossibleto move lid L to its normally closed position, switch 18 may be openedto prevent energization of lamp 20 thereby prematurely draining thebattery source 36 of energy.

Solar cell 32 is exposed to sunlight during the daylight hours, havingbeen mounted upon the window of hatch back L to slowly charge batteries36 through diode 38. The solar cell 36 and diode 38 are selected toprovide a slow charging rate for the battery source (preferably alkalinebatteries) so as to prevent the batteries from being overcharged andthereby damaged. Diode 38 prevents battery source 36 from directingenergy back to solar cell 32, thereby protecting the batteries fromdischarging through the solar cell under darkened conditions.

Under normal operating conditions, switch 18 remains in the closedposition 18'. The bulb 26 remains isolated from the power source due tothe orientation of the lamp unit on the window of the hatch back lid L.The orientation sensitivity (i.e. mercury) switch 20 thus permits 26 tobe energized only when the hatch back is opened.

In the charging circuit, in addition to being chosen to charge thebattery source at a low charging rate, the solar cell is only activeduring daylight hours and is not active on a constant basis thus servingas additional protection against the potential overcharging of thealkaline cells.

The individual pressure sensitive adhesive strips 38a through 38c may bereplaced by a single large double-sided pressure sensitive adhesivesheet 38' shown in FIG. 8 wherein the under surface is in adhesivecontact with the entire rear surface of housing 14, includinglenticulated lens 34. The exposed surface of sheet 38 is likewise coatedwith a suitable adhesive for adhering to the window of the hatch backlid. The transparent or light transmissive sheet is preferably formed ofa suitable light transmissive material as are the adhesive materials oralternatively, the adhesive materials are of a layer sufficiently thinso as to provide good light transmissive properties. The sheet ispreferably a foam material to follow the curvature of the galss. Thealternative embodiment in FIG. 8 provides significantly increasedadhesive surface area to enhance the securment of the lamp unit 10 tothe hatch back window. In addition, the adhesive strip may be providedwith a reflective surface to provide additional reflective element tofurther facilitate the distinguishing of a vehicle when light from thehead lamps of oncoming car strike the reflective surface.

A transparent sheet can be placed across and adhered to the entire rearsurface of the lamp unit. Foam double-sided adhesive tapes are usedaround the perimeter of the rear surface to affix the lamp unit to theperimeter of the rear surface to affix the lamp unit to the curved glasssurface. The transparent sheet may be marked with indicia such as acompany logo, instructions or advertising. The transparent sheet mayalso be provided with a relective surface for added safety.

FIGS. 9 and 9a show still another alternative embodiment of the presentinvention in which the lamp unit 10 is mounted to the window of thehatch back lid by means of a holding frame 40 having a frame shaped bodypreferably provided with a large central opening 40a and at least twopairs of embracing arms 40b-40c and 40d-40e. The arms 40b-40e areresilient and bendable and are provided with rounded projections 40b-1through 40e-1 near their upper inner ends to facilitate insertion of thelight unit into the holder. The frame is further provided with aframe-like strip of double-sided pressure sensitive adhesive 42, onesurface of which adheres to frame 40 and the other of which adheres tothe window of the hatch back lid.

In order to snap fittingly mount the lamp unit to the holding frame, thelamp unit housing 14 is preferably provided with a pair of shallowrecesses R1 and R2 arranged at spaced intervals along each of theopposing surfaces 14a, 14b of housing 14. Lamp unit 10, shown in dottedfashion in FIG. 9, is pressed between the pairs of embracing arms40b-40c and 40d-40e. As unit 10 is pushed between the cooperating arms,the arms are flexed outwardly as shown by the arrows shown in FIG. 9auntil the projections 40b-1 through 40e-1 are lined up with the shallowrecesses R1 and R2 arranged in each side wall of housing 14, at whichtime the rounded projections 40b-1 through 40e-1 snap into an associatedrecess R1 or R2 to hold the lamp unit 10 in position. The arms 40b-40eprovide sufficient spring forces to retain the lamp unit in theoperative position. The lamp unit may be removed by simply by pulling atleast two of the arms on one side of lamp unit away from the lamp unitto remove their projections from cooperating recesses and simply slidingthe lamp unit out of the operative position. The lamp unit may beutilized as a portable lamp or "flash light" keeping in mind that thelamp unit switch 18 must be closed and further that the lamp unit mustbe oriented at a angle which assures that the mercury switch 20 isclosed. The lamp unit of FIGS. 9 and 9a is otherwise substantially thesame in design and operation to the lamp unit shown in FIGS. 1 and 2,for example. Alternatively, the lamp unit may be provided with athree-way switch as shown, whereby in the switch position 18" themercury switch is bypassed, enabling use of the lamp unit regardless ofthe orientation of the lamp unit (i.e. of the mercury switch).

It can be seen from the foregoing that the present invention provides anovel lamp unit structure which automatically selectively energizes thebattery operated lamp unit when oriented at the proper angle, said lampunit being substantially permanently affixed to the window of a hatchback lid thus, providing a lamp unit which is as effective as fullywired lamp units provided in more expensive hatch back vehicles whiletotally avoiding the need for wiring such lamp units, thereby providinghatch back vehicles with the equivalent lighting capabilities of moreexpensive hatch back models without providing the necessary wiring andcooperating electrical switches. In addition thereto, the presentinvention provides an additional switch which permits the hatch back toremain open for long periods of time without undue drain on the batteryand in the flashlight mode, bypasses the mercury switch. The bypassposition may be either part of a three-way switch, as shown, or may be aseparate two-position (i.e. on/off) switch for selectively shunting themercury switch. For example, more expensive hatch back units simplyprovide a proximity type switch which causes the hatch back lamp to beilluminated when the hatch back lid is open but fails to provide anymeans for turning the hatch back lamp off when the hatch back lid isdeliberately left open for long periods of time. In addition the fullywired hatch back lamp provides an additional drain upon the vehicle 12volt battery, while the present invention provides its own batterysource which is further rechargable through the use of the uniquelyarranged solar cell. The unit may alternatively be utilized as both ahatch back lamp and auxiliary "flash light" through the use of the novelholding frame which is substantially permanently affixed to the hatchback window. The adhesive strips utilized to substantially permanentlysecure the lamp unit to the hatch back window may further be providedwith reflective means to provide an additional reflective surface forwarning oncoming cars of the presence of the vehicle in the roadway.

A latitude of modification, change and substitution is intended in theforegoing disclosure, and in some instances, some features of theinvention will be employed without a corresponding use of otherfeatures. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims beconstrued broadly and in a manner consistent with the spirit and scopeof the invention herein described.

What is claimed is:
 1. A lamp unit comprising a hollow housing;a batterycompartment in said housing containing a portable battery source; a lampcompartment in said housing and orientation sensitive switch means forselectively electrically coupling said lamp to said battery source whensaid housing is in a first orientation and for electrically decouplingsaid lamp from said battery source when said housing is in a secondorientation; means for substantially permanently affixing said housingto a normally movable lid member such as a chest, truck or hatchback lidadapted as a closure for a storage region; said housing being affixed tothe interior surface of said lid whereby said orientation sensitiveswitch is in the open position when the lid is in its closed positionand whereby the orientation sensitive switch is in the closed positionwhen said lid is in its open position; said housing being provided witha solar cell compartment housing a solar cell; said housing having alight transmissive lens portion to permit light rays to reach said solarcell; said solar cell being electrically connected to said batterysource when said solar cell is energized by light rays; said lid beingprovided with a light transmissive member or window; said lens portionof said housing being positioned to engage the interior surface of saidwindow to facilitate the passage of light through said window and saidlens to activate said solar cell, typically during daylight hours.
 2. Alamp unit comprising a hollow housing;a battery compartment in saidhousing containing a portable battery source; a lamp compartment in saidhousing and orientation sensitive switch means for selectivelyelectrically coupling said lamp to said battery source when said housingis in a first orientation and for electrically decoupling said lamp fromsaid battery source when said housing is in a second orientation; meansfor substantially permanently affixing said housing to a normallymovable lid member such as a chest, truck or hatchback lid adapted as aclosure for a storage region; said housing being affixed to the interiorsurface of said lid whereby said orientation sensitive switch is in theopen position when the lid is in its closed position and whereby theorientation sensitive switch is in the closed position when said lid isin its open position; a lamp housing; pivot means on said hollow housingfor pivotally mounting said lamp housing to enable swingable movement ofsaid lamp housing to direct light from said lamp in any one of a varietyof desired directions; said pivot means comprising a slot in said hollowhousing; a substantially L-shaped projection integral with and extendingupwardly from said hollow housing, the bent over end of said L-shapedprojection having a small projecting pin; said lamp housing having anopening in its first surface thereof for receiving said projecting pinand having a tubular projection on the opposite parallel surface, whichhollow tubular projection is inserted in the elongated slot in saidhollow housing; a combination detent and pivot member slidably insertedwithin said slot in said hollow housing and having a semi-circulargroove which cooperates with the inward end of said elongated slot toform a substantially circular opening which embraces said tubularprojection in said lamp housing while permitting pivotal movement of thelamp housing.
 3. The lamp unit of claim 2 wherein said combinationdetent and pivot member is provided with a teat projecting in adirection toward said lamp housing;the adjacent surface of said lamphousing having a plurality of recesses arranged at spaced intervalsalong an imaginary curved line for snap fittingly receiving said teat tothereby form a detent mechanism for locking said swingably mounted lamphousing in any one of a variety of different angular positionsselectable by the operator.
 4. A lamp unit comprising a hollow housing;abattery compartment in said housing containing a portable batterysource; a lamp compartment in said housing and orientation sensitiveswitch means for selectively electrically coupling said lamp to saidbattery source when said housing is in a first orientation and forelectrically decoupling said lamp from said battery source when saidhousing is in a second orientation; means for substantially permanentlyaffixing said housing to a normally movable lid member such as a chest,truck or hatchback lid adapted as a closure for a storage region; saidhousing being affixed to the interior surface of said lid whereby saidorientation sensitive switch is in the open position when the lid is inits closed position and whereby the orientation sensitive switch is inthe closed position when said lid is in its open position; said lamphousing being provided with a combined front cover and lens member inwhich the center portions said combined member comprises an integraltransparent lens; the opposite walls of said lens housing beingrespectively provided with a slot and a square-shaped notch; saidcombined front cover and lens member being provided with a firstprojection along one edge of the periphery of said combined member ofinsertion into said slot and a second projection arranged on an oppositeparallel edge of said combined member of insertion into said notch; saidcombined member being provided with a pair of teats each arranged onopposite sides of said second projection and cooperating with a pair ofopenings provided in the wall of said lamp housing for snap-fittinglyreceiving said teats to releasably lock the combined member into theoperative position within the lens housing.
 5. A lamp unit comprising ahollow housing;a battery compartment in said housing containing aportable battery source; a lamp compartment in said housing andorientation sensitive switch means for selectively electrically couplingsaid lamp to said battery source when said housing is in a firstorientation and for electrically decoupling said lamp from said batterysource when said housing is in a second orientation; means forsubstantially permanently affixing said housing to a normally movablelid member such as a chest, truck or hatchback lid adapted as a closurefor a storage region; said housing being affixed to the interior surfaceof said lid whereby said orientation sensitive switch is in the openposition when the lid is in its closed position and whereby theorientation sensitive switch is in the closed position when said lid isin its open position; said affixing means comprising pressure sensitivemounting means comprised of a double-sided pressure sensitive sheethaving one surface adhered to the hollow housing and covering said solarcell lens and having the other surface adapted for permanent affixationto the light transmissive member or window of a swingable lid; saiddouble sided pressure sensitive sheet being light transparent to permitlight passing through said window to pass through said double-sidedpressure sensitive adhesive sheet and through said solar cell lens toenergize said solar cell; a partially transparent reflective surfacebeing provided on the side of said single-sided pressure sensitiveadhesive sheet engaging said window to act as a safety reflector forreflecting light from the head lamps of oncoming cars impinging uponsaid reflective surface.
 6. A lamp unit comprising a hollow housing;abattery compartment in said housing containing a portable batterysource; a lamp compartment in said housing and orientation sensitiveswitch means for selectively electrically coupling said lamp to saidbattery source when said housing is in a first orientation and forelectrically decoupling said lamp from said battery source when saidhousing is in a second orientation; means for substantially permanentlyaffixing said housing to a normally movable lid member such as a chest,truck or hatchback lid adapted as a closure for a storage region; saidhousing being affixed to the interior surface of said lid whereby saidorientation sensitive switch is in the open position when the lid is inits closed position and whereby the orientation sensitive switch is inthe closed position when said lid is in its open position; said mountingmeans comprising a mounting frame adhered to said lid and having aplurality of pairs of resilient embracing arms each having inwardlydirectly teats near their upper ends; said lamp unit hollow housingbeing provided with shallow recesses on opposite side walls of saidhousing for receiving and seating an associated one of the teats of saidresilient embracing arms for releasably holding said lamp unit; saidholding frame being provided with an opening comparable in size with thesolar cell lens provided on said hollow housing unit to facilitate thepassage of light through said opening and said lens for activating saidsolar cell.
 7. A lamp unit comprising a hollow housing;a batterycompartment in said housing containing a portable battery source; a lampcompartment in said housing and orientation sensitive switch means forselectively electrically coupling said lamp to said battery source whensaid housing is in a first orientation and for electrically decouplingsaid lamp from said battery source when said housing is in a secondorientation; means for substantially permanently affixing said housingto a normally movable lid member such as a chest, truck or hatchback lidadapted as a closure for a storage region; said housing being affixed tothe interior surface of said lid whereby said orientation sensitiveswitch is in the open position when the lid is in its closed positionand whereby the orientation sensitive switch is in the closed positionwhen said lid is in its open position; said affixing means comprising atransparent sheet substantially covering and affixed to the rear surfaceof said lamp unit; said sheet having double-sided adhesive means foradhering respectively to said lamp unit and to the curved surface ofsaid lid; said transparent sheet having a reflective surface to reflectlight striking said surface for safety purposes.